Education

We are looking for new ways to treat dogs with aggression behavior, brain trauma or obsessive-compulsive disorder to post-traumatic stress. There is a new breakthrough in the medical community and it’s called neurofeedback therapy. These electrodes are attached to the dog head and after treatment helped to improve a dogs behavior and for better physical and mental health as well as greater emotional balance, cognitive ability, and optimal performance.

Treatment in neurofeedback therapy began in 2002 and it was to provide pet owners an alternative way to help with their pets with either mental or emotional problems and provides veterinary offices with more options to their patients. Dogs with numerous injuries, abuse or concussions neurofeedback therapy has shown immense improvement in the dog.

After several treatments dogs have higher functioning behavior and are calmer and more social including many more positive changes within the dog such as walking straighter after a concussion. Dogs after treatment respond better to there owner and listen to commands. Neurofeedback therapy have been used on grumpy animals who refuse to get along with others and after treatment show signs to be calmer and easier to handle after treatment.

The Cost Of Owning A Pet

General Information:

Before adopting a pet into your home, we encourage you to evaluate your lifestyle, finances and where you live prior to adoption. Dogs and cats are a family member and require constant attention: Here are just some of the expenses to consider.

The cost of owning a dog can be estimated at about $1400-4300 per year (see the chart at the bottom of this page).

There are ways to save money depending on the choices you make. Contributing factors include your dog’s size and age, the region in which you live, your own lifestyle, and your dog’s individual needs.

Initial Investment

Consider costs when choosing a dog. Any new dog or puppy will come with substantial expenses. If you decide to adopt a dog expect to spend around $500+. The very first thing you should do is get that dog to a good veterinarian.

Depending on the need for vaccines, preventive medications, and special treatments, that first visit will likely cost you anywhere from $50-300, so be prepared.

Vet bills for a young puppy will likely range from $100-300 depending on the puppy’s health and the region in which you live.

Puppies need to visit the vet every few week until about 16 weeks of age, and each visit can run you $100-300 depending on your pup’s needs.

Your next major expense will be dog supplies. These include dog food, leashes, collars, beds, toys and so on. You also need to think about obedience classes and/or training

When the time comes to have your puppy spayed or neutered, expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $700. Bottom line, the first year with your new dog can cost twice the typical annual cost of subsequent years, so be prepared.

Food and Treats

It is important to feed your dog a high-quality dog food and healthy dog treats.

This typically costs somewhere from $20-60 per month ($250-700 per year). Food expenses vary based on the size and energy level of your dog as well as the quality of the food.

Be aware that special foods, like veterinary therapeutic diets or freshly-made special-order food, may cost $100 or more a month.

Toys

Dog toys are an important part of your dog’s mental stimulation and exercise. Though some of us may indulge, you can probably plan on spending $25-150 per year.

If you are like those of us who cannot resist a cute toy, this figure can become several hundred dollars higher.

Another reason you may spend more on toys: a very destructive dogmay go through toys faster, so if you have one of these dogs, invest in the toys designed for “tough chewers”.

Beds I Blankets

Every dog deserves a cozy bed and keeping one or two around the house will cost you $50-200 a year.

Prices go up in relation to size and quality.

Getting durable, high-quality and easy-to-clean dog beds can extend the life of the beds and keep costs down in the long run.

Leashes and Collars

Depending on the size and quality, most dog owners spend $20-50 per year on leashes and collars. However, you may be able to make one leash and collar set last for several years.

Grooming

Your dog’s grooming needs are largely based on the type of hair coat he has. Smooth coated, short-haired dogs require little more than basic grooming while dogs with constantly growing hair will need to visit the groomer on a routine basis.

Between the cost of grooming tools and visits to the groomer, you can plan on spending anywhere from $30-500 a year.

Routine Veterinary Care

Routine veterinary care is a huge part of keeping your dog healthy. Families should plan on going to the vet for wellness checkups once or twice a year at a cost of about $200-300 yearly.

Annual lab work can add about $100-300 and should not be skipped as it’s an important part of preventive health care.

Dental cleanings may be recommended as often as once a year and generally range from about $300-800. Of course, vet costs will be higher if your dog develops a health problem. This is more likely to happen as your dog grows older.

Consider purchasing pet insurance for your dog, which will cover a percentage of vet expenses.

Overall, you should budget about $700-1500 per year for veterinary costs, and that does not include emergencies. It also excludes preventive medications and supplements.

Preventive Medications and Supplements

All dogs need medications to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks and other parasites. Your veterinarian will guide you towards the best products based on your climate and your dog’s needs.

Some dogs will also benefit from vitamins and supplements. In general, you will probably spend $100-500 per year for these items depending on the size of your dog and his specific needs.

Obedience Classes or Training Resources

Though most dogs will only go to obedience school in their first year or two, training is something that should be ongoing throughout your dog’s life.

Whether you are buying books and DVDs for at-home training or you enroll your dog in obedience classes, budget at least $100-300+ per year for training needs.

Pet Sitters or Boarding

Most people will need to leave their dogs behind once or twice a year. Typically, this will cost about $200-$400 a year. However, if you travel frequently, expect to spend much more.

Boarding tends to cost less than hiring a pet sitter, but many dog owners prefer the individual attention a pet sitter can offer and think it is worth the extra expense.

Emergencies and Other Unexpected Expenses

No one can predict the future; the unexpected occurs in life all the time. As a good dog owner, you should do your best to be ready for life’s little surprises. Emergencies, chronic illnesses, disasters and other unplanned expenses can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

The cost of an emergency vet hospital visit can start around $500 to $1000 and go well beyond $2000 to $5000.

Advanced surgery is anywhere from $2000 to $5000 or more. If you’re sick pet needs to stay in the ICU, you could be looking at $200-500 per day and up.

The best way to stay prepared is to set aside extra money in savings, if possible. In addition to savings, some people keep a credit card or line of credit set aside specifically for emergencies.

Some veterinary practices offer third party healthcare financing or heath care credit cards, such as Care Credit. You may even qualify for an introductory zero interest plans.

In a perfect world, dog owners would never have to make choices for their dogs based on money alone, Instead, it should be about what is best for their dogs. With proper planning (and a little luck) you can provide for your own dog and live a long and happy life together.

Basic Cost of Owning a Dog:

Yearly Expense

Type of Expense

Food and Treats

$250 – 700

Toys

$25 – 150

Beds

$50 – 200

Leashes and Collars

$20 – 50

Grooming

$30 – 500

Routine Veterinary Care (healthy dog)

$700 – 1500

Preventive Medications and Supplements

$200 – 600

Training Classes or Resources

$25 – 300

Pet Sitters or Boarding

$100 – 300

Yearly Total

$1400-4300

Average Monthly Cost of Owning a Dog

$115-350

Check Out These Awesome Articles From Tuck

Tuck is a great site to check out to learn more about your pets! Here are some of our favorite articles:

New Dog Tethering Law In Illinois

Perfectly Posh Paws believes no dog should ever be tethered or left outside, no matter what the situation. Every dog should be given the same care and love as you would your child or a family member. They give us their trust, loyalty and comfort us when we are sad. They love us unconditionally each and every day and we should do the same. We believe every dog should be given the respect, love and care they deserve.

I have seen dogs tethered outside for long periods of time and the owner has no regard for their needs and their dog is left alone for hours. Dogs are scared, confused and only want us to love them. They look to us for all their basic necessities in life. How can someone just do that to their pet? We need to take a stand and speak up for them, since they have no voice.

We believe they should be treated with warm, loving attention and all the affection they are worthy of. We want every dog to have all the comforts of home with the proper training, exercise and the right necessities to live a full and healthy, happy life.

Pets are for life; they should never be given up carelessly or left in shelters to die. People need to understand all the benefits dogs give us and they teach us to be a better person, and to love unconditionally. Our hearts and the time we spend with them are better because we shared our life together, whether it’s for many years or for just a brief moment. Whether you meet a dog at a shelter, at the dog park or at someone’s home, we instantly smile and are happy in their presence. Dogs love us no matter what, no matter what we do and how we act, and they are truly our best friend.

We believe in educating everyone and continuing to find new ways to help people who may be struggling with financial issues and need assistance or temporary housing for their pet. We want to be the resource for our community so we can build a better tomorrow.

20 Top Rated Veterinary Offices

Burnham Park Animal Hospital

Burnham Park Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic that has served the Chicago area since 1994. The clinic provides diagnostic and therapeutic services, surgical services, anaesthesia, dentistry, microchipping, dietary counseling, and behavioral counseling. The practice is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Burnham Park Animal Hospital can be reached after-hours for emergency care.

Chicago, IL (312) 663-9200

Chicago Veterinary Specialty Group

Chicago Veterinary Specialty Group provides specialty care for pets, including cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, neural surgery, oncology, ophthalmology, surgery, and rehabilitation. The Chicago vet clinic is open 24 hours a day for emergency care. The practice is a member of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Mayfair Animal Clinic

Mayfair Animal Clinic is a family-owned and operated veterinary clinic founded in 1957. The clinic provides diagnostic and therapeutic services, anesthesia, imaging services, cardiology, dentistry, and individualized flea, mosquito, and tick control. Mayfair Animal Clinic also gives dietary and behavioral counseling, and has a variety of pharmaceutical products such as prescription diets and vitamins. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Metropolitan Veterinary Center

Metropolitan Veterinary Center has long open hours seven days a week to accommodate its busy clients. The Chicago veterinarians provide preventative care, surgery, diagnostic services, arthritis and pain treatment, and senior pet care. Chicago Reader voted the Metropolitan Veterinary Center among the Best of Chicago, and the practice is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Chicago, IL(312) 583-1921

Naperville Animal Hospital

Since 1989, Naperville Animal Hospital has cared for pets in the Chicago area. The veterinarians have experience treating dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. The clinic’s services include senior pet care, preventative care, dental care, vaccinations, grooming, and overnight observation. The business also provides special care for puppies and kittens and offers training programs. Naperville Animal Hospital has a veterinarian on call for emergency situations.

Naperville, IL(630) 355-5300

North Avenue Animal Hospital

North Avenue Animal Hospital has served the Chicago area since 1957. The veterinary clinic provides pet wellness exams, kitten and puppy care, urgent care, and surgeries such as oral surgery, tumor removal, and spaying and neutering. Pet owners have praised the practice for its friendly, attentive, and caring staff.

Chicago, IL(773) 278-1330

North Shore Family Pet Hospital

North Shore Family Pet Hospital provides wellness exams, immunizations, hospitalization, general surgery, dental care, nutritional counseling, on-site digital radiology. The Chicago veterinary clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and is a Cat Friendly Practice as recognized by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The vets have more than 45 combined years of veterinary experience.

Northbrook, IL(847) 564-1500

Pulaski Animal Hospital

Founded in 1955, Pulaski Animal Hospital provides a variety of pet care services, including senior pet care, dental care, dietary planning, preventative examinations, radiology, and ultrasounds. The Chicago practice also provides emergency care. The clinic is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. Pulaski Animal Hospital has received praise for its friendly, knowledgeable staff and clean offices.

Chicago, IL(773) 735-2112

Roscoe Village Animal Hospital

Roscoe Village Animal Hospital has served the Chicago area for more than 25 years. The pet clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and is accredited by the American Association of Feline Practitioners as a Cat Friendly Practice. Roscoe Village Animal Hospital has a full range of veterinary services, including herbal medicine treatments, chemotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, orthopedic surgeries, and emergency medicine.

Village West Veterinary

Village West Veterinary is a Chicago veterinary clinic that provides microchip scanning and implantation, screening x-rays, routine vaccinations, routine heartworm and tick bite exposure testing, and general preventative health exams.The practice also provides on-site sick pet visits and euthanasia, and is available for emergency situations. The founding veterinarian is the founder of The Critical Animal Relief Foundation, a nonprofit that saves the lives of at-risk dogs and cats in the Chicago area.

Chicago, IL(773) 697-7052

Xpecta Vet

Xpecta Vet cares for dogs, cats, reptiles, rabbits, birds, and other small animals with in-home services. The Chicago pet clinic, based in Lisle, provides euthanasia, vaccines, wellness exams, rehabilitation, dentistry, and senior pet care. Clients have praised Xpecta Vet for its professional and compassionate staff.

Lisle, IL(773) 904-0356

West Loop Veterinary Care

West Loop Veterinary Care is a Chicago pet clinic that offers house calls and prescription home delivery. The veterinary clinic provides preventative and well-being care such as vaccination, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, dentistry, spaying and neutering, and microchipping. The clinic also manages illnesses and disease such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and digestive disorders. West Loop Veterinary Care has a separate waiting area for shy or nervous pets.